Currently have my pony in a single jointed dutch gag on the second ring (one below snaffle ring) but I find that, especially with the wet and muddy ground, he is leaning on the bit and often runs away with me when he gets excited.Normally it is mostly in trot that he is running away, I can almost always drop the reins when walking or at least have him on loose contact.When cantering he normally accepts the bit and I can collect him quite nicely but there have occasions, mostly when hacking alone, where he does tend to lean and just gathers momentum until I have to point him at bushes to stop him.As I said though, when trotting he tends to lean and stick his nose right out so it is very hard to regain a balanced contact.I have read that leaning on the bit is a common sign that the horse finds the bit too severe sooo I was thinking either:1) try riding in double reins with the gag so that I can primarily use the snaffle reins to see if a softer bit setting makes a difference but still have extra control if this turns out to be a mistake!2) Try a Waterford so there isn't anything to lean on3) Try a different bit altogether - but I don't know where to start!I have ridden him in a Tom Thumb before this was far too strong - he threw his head up a lot.When I tried him he was in a kimblewick without a curb chain and there was essentially zero control (but then again he was very green for his age before I bought him)TIA
02-20-2018, 09:10 AM
Help! Bit trouble!
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